Novak Djokovic’s vaccine issues set to continue after world No 1 included on Indian Wells entry list

Novak Djokovic’s refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19 looks set to cause him further issues after he was included on the entry list for Indian Wells in March. Djokovic hasn’t played since December when he competed in the Davis Cup in Madrid.

He was detained on his arrival in Australia last month when border officials refused to accept the reasons for the medical exemption which was meant to allow him to compete at the Australian Open despite being unvaccinated, then deported from the country after an 11-day legal wrangle. Ad/> While rivals Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rafael Nadal are all set to compete in California, Djokovic will struggle to make it to Indian Wells if he continues to eschew the vaccine.

The United States requires non-US citizens to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel to the country by air, with limited exceptions, meaning that his participation could be a non-starter. TennisWimbledon to charge same price for women's and men's final — reportYESTERDAY AT 14:24 In announcing the player entry lists, Indian Wells’ organisers clarified their stance on competitors’ vaccination status.

“With health and safety as the tournament’s top priority, the BNP Paribas Open will require valid proof of full vaccination to enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the tournament,” read a statement. “The guidelines for the players are governed by the protocols established by their respective governing bodies, the WTA and ATP, as well as any restrictions established by the United States of America in regard to the vaccination status of international travelers entering the country.” The statement made only a brief mention of Djokovic, continuing: “A power-packed lineup of ATP top-10